Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHODS AND USES OF SEMAPHORIN 3E POLYPEPTIDES AND
POLYNUCLEOTIDES INVOLVING AN AIRWAY INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways structurally
characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling.
Increased
airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass as the hallmark of airway remodeling might be
the consequence of both ASM cell proliferation and migration (Bentley and
Hershenson, Proc Am Thorac Soc, 2008, 5(1):89-96; Davies, D.E., et al., J
Allergy
Clin inamunol, 2003. 111(2):215-25; quiz 226; Halwani, R., et al., Curr Opin
Pharmacol, 2010. 10(3):236-45; Mauad, T., et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol,
2007.
120(5):997-1009; quiz 1010-1).
Proliferation of ASM cells is increased in response to some growth factors
and inflammatory mediators as well as allergen challenge. For instance,
mitogenic
effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (Seidel, P., et al., Respir
Res, 2010.
11:145, Simeone-Penney, M.C., et al., Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol,
2008.
294(4):L698-704, Walker, T.R., et al., Mol Pharmacol, 1998. 54(6):1007-15),
epidermal growth factor (EGF) (Cerutis, D.R., et al., Am J Physiol, 1997.
273(1 Pt
1):L10-5, Enomoto, Y., et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2009. 124(5):913-20 el-
7),
leukotriene B4 (Watanabe, S., et at., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2009. 124(1):59-
65
el-3) and ovalbumin (Eynott, P.R., et al., Br J Pharrnacol, 2003. 140(8):1373-
80)
on ASM cells has been previously demonstrated. More interestingly, there is a
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dramatic increase in proliferation rate of ASM cells obtained from asthmatic
patients compared to non-asthmatic subjects in a time dependent manner
(Johnson,
P.R., et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2001. 164(3):474-7).
Increased accumulation of ASM cells in asthma is not solely because of
ASM cell proliferation and it might be in part due to migration of ASM cell
progenitors from outside the muscle toward the lumen or immigration of
proliferating cells within the muscle bundles (Gerthoffer, Proc Am Thorac Soc,
2008. 5(1):97-105, Hirst, S.J., et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2004. 114(2
Suppl):S2-17). Previous studies have demonstrated pro-migratory effect of
various
growth factors and inflammatory cytokines including PDGF, transforming growth
factor (TGF) 3, interleukin (IL)-113 and IL-8 on ASM cells (Govindaraju, V.,
et al.,
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 2006. 291(5):C957-65, Hedges, J.C., et al., J Biol
Chem, 1999. 274(34):24211-9, Ito, I., et al., Clin Exp Allergy, 2009.
39(9):1370-
80).
In contrast, some anti-asthmatic drugs including 132-adrenergic receptor
agonists and glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit basal and growth
factor-
induced ASM cell proliferation and migration (Goncharova, E.A., et al., Am J
Respir Cell Mol Biol, 2003. 29(1):19-27, Kassel, K.M., et al., Am J Physiol
Lung
Cell Mol Physiol, 2008. 294(1):L131-8, Stewart, A.G., etal., Mol Pharmacol,
1999.
56(5):1079-86, Stewart, A.G., et al., Br J Pharmacol, 1997. 121(3):361-8).
However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying ASM cell proliferation and
migration have not yet been clearly understood.
Originally discovered as axon guidance cues in neuronal development
(Kolodkin, A.L., et al., Cell, 1993. 75(7):1389-99, Luo, Y., et al., Cell,
1993.
75(2):217-27), semaphorins are intrinsic versatile mediators involved in
several
aspects of cell functions including morpho genesis, angiogenesis,
differentiation,
cell proliferation and migration which are ubiquitously expressed in several
tissues
(Roth, L., et al.,. Cell Mol Life Sci, 2009. 66(4):649-66, Yazdani and Terman,
Genome Biol, 2006. 7(3):211). Sema3E (SemaH or Coll-5), a vertebrate secreted
semaphorin, was previously described as an endogenous mediator involved in
axon
path finding (Steinbach, K., et al., Exp Cell Res, 2002. 279(1):52-61) and
vascular
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patterning (Adams and Eichmann, Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol, 2010.
2(5):a001875, Gu, C., etal., Science, 2005. 307(5707):265-8). Besides, the
Sema3E-PlexinD1 axis has also emerged as a pivotal mediator of cell migration,
proliferation and angiogenesis in immune and endothelial contexts (Choi, Y.I.,
et
al., Immunity, 2008. 29(6):888-98, Moriya, J., et al., Circ Res, 2010.
106(2):391-8).
SUMMARY
The present invention provides use of a sema3E polypeptide. In one
embodiment, the use is use of a sema3E polypeptide and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier, in the preparation of a medicament for an inflammatory
airway
disease. In one embodiment, the use is use of a sema3E polypeptide and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for treating an inflammatory airway
disease.
The inflammatory airway disease may be acute asthma and/or chronic asthma. The
sema3E polypeptide may include a KRRXRR consensus site, wherein X is any
amino acid. The sema3E polypeptide may further include one or two RXXR
consensus sites, wherein X is any amino acid. In one embodiment, the sema3E
polypeptide may include a Sema domain. In one embodiment, the sema3E
polypeptide may further include one or more domains selected from a cystine
rich
domain, an immunoglobulin domain, and a short basic domain. In one embodiment,
the sema3E polypeptide may further include a cystine rich domain and an
immunoglobulin domain. In one embodiment, the sema3E polypeptide may include
an amino acid sequence having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO:2. In one
embodiment, the sema3E polypeptide is a fusion polypeptide. The sema3E
polypeptide has activity, and the activity may be determined by ability to
bind to
Plexin D1, ability to inhibit airway smooth muscle cell migration or
proliferation, or
ability to influence development of airway hyper-reactivity during allergen
challenge.
The present invention provides use of a sema3E polynucleotide. In one
embodiment, the use is use of a sema3E polynucleotide and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier, in the preparation of a medicament for an inflammatory
airway
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disease, wherein the sema3E polynucleotide encodes a sema3E polypeptide. In
one
embodiment, the use is a use of a sema3E polynucleotide and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier, for treating an inflammatory airway disease, wherein the
sema3E
polynucleotide encodes a sema3E polypeptide. The inflammatory airway disease
may be acute asthma and/or chronic asthma. The sema3E polynucleotide may be
present in a vector, such as a viral vector. The sema3E polypeptide may
include a
KRRXRR consensus site, wherein X is any amino acid. The sema3E polypeptide
may further include one or two MOM consensus sites, wherein X is any amino
acid. In one embodiment, the sema3E polypeptide may include a Sema domain. In
one embodiment, the sema3E polypeptide may further include one or more domains
selected from a cystine rich domain, an immunoglobulin domain, and a short
basic
domain. In one embodiment, the sema3E polypeptide may further include a
cystine
rich domain and an immunoglobulin domain. In one embodiment, the sema3E
polypeptide may include an amino acid sequence having at least 80% identity
with
SEQ ID NO:2. In one embodiment, the sema3E polypeptide is a fusion
polypeptide.
The sema3E polypeptide has activity, and the activity may be determined by
ability
to bind to Plexin Dl, ability to inhibit airway smooth muscle cell migration
or
proliferation, or ability to influence development of airway hyper-reactivity
during
allergen challenge.
The present invention also provides methods for using a sema3E
polypeptide. In one embodiment, the method is for decreasing airway remodeling
in
a subject, including administering to a subject in need thereof an effective
amount
of a composition that includes a sema3E polypeptide, wherein the subject has
decreased airway remodeling when compared to the subject before the
administering. In one embodiment, the method is for treating asthma in a
subject,
including administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition
that
includes a sema3E polypeptide. In one embodiment, the method is for treating a
subject having, or at risk of having, acute asthma, where the method includes
administering to a subject in need thereof a composition that includes a
sema3E
polypeptide, wherein the subject has decreased airway resistance, decreased
tissue
resistance, decreased lung elastance, decreased eosinophilia in the
bronchoalveolar
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space, or a combination thereof, when compared to the subject before the
administering. In one embodiment, the method is for reducing inflammation of a
subject's airway, where the method includes administering to a subject in need
thereof a composition including sema3E polypeptide, wherein the subject has
decreased inflammation of the airway when compared to the subject before the
administering. In one embodiment the subject may be a human. In one embodiment
the method may further include administering a therapeutic compound, such as
an
inhaled corticosteroid, an oral corticosteroid, a bronchodilator, a
leukotriene
antagonist, and/or an antihistamine. In one embodiment the subject has, or at
risk of
having, an inflammatory airway disease, such as acute asthma and/or chronic
asthma.
In one embodiment, the method is for decreasing proliferation of a cell,
where the method includes contacting an airway smooth muscle cell with an
effective amount of a composition including a sema3E polypeptide. In one
embodiment, the method is for decreasing migration of a cell, where the method
includes contacting an airway smooth muscle cell with an effective amount of a
composition that includes a sema3E polypeptide. In one embodiment the cell is
a
human cell. In one embodiment the cell is ex vivo, and in one embodiment the
cell
is in vivo.
The present invention also provides methods for using a sema3E
polynucleotide. The polynucleotide may be present in a vector, such as a viral
vector. In one embodiment, the method is for decreasing airway remodeling in a
subject, where the method includes administering to a subject in need thereof
an
effective amount of a composition that includes a sema3E polynucleotide,
wherein
the subject has decreased airway remodeling when compared to the subject
before
the administering, and wherein the sema3E polynucleotide encodes a sema3E
polypeptide. In one embodiment, the method is for treating asthma in a
subject,
where the method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of
a
composition that includes a sema3E polynucleotide, wherein the sema3E
polynucleotide encodes a sema3E polypeptide. In one embodiment, the method is
for treating a subject having, or at risk of having, acute asthma, where the
method
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includes administering to a subject in need thereof a composition that
includes
sema3E polynucleotide, wherein the subject has decreased airway resistance,
decreased tissue resistance, decreased lung elastance, decreased eosinophilia
in the
bronchoalveolar space, or a combination thereof, when compared to the subject
before the administering, wherein the sema3E polynucleotide encodes a sema3E
polypeptide. In one embodiment, the method is for reducing inflammation of a
subject's airway, where the method includes administering to a subject in need
thereof a composition that includes a sema3E polynucleotide, wherein the
subject
has decreased inflammation of the airway when compared to the subject before
the
administering, wherein the sema3E polynucleotide encodes a sema3E polypeptide.
In one embodiment the subject may be a human. In one embodiment the method
may further include administering a therapeutic compound, such as an inhaled
corticosteroid, an oral corticosteroid, a bronchodilator, a leukotriene
antagonist,
and/or an antihistamine. In one embodiment the subject has, or at risk of
having, an
inflammatory airway disease, such as acute asthma and/or chronic asthma.
In one embodiment, the method is for decreasing proliferation of a cell,
where the method includes contacting an airway smooth muscle cell with an
effective amount of a composition that includes a sema3E polynucleotide,
wherein
the sema3E polynucleotide encodes a sema3E polypeptide. In one embodiment, the
method is for decreasing migration of a cell, where the method includes
contacting
an airway smooth muscle cell with an effective amount of a composition that
includes a sema3E polynucleotide, wherein the sema3E polynucleotide encodes a
sema3E polypeptide. In one embodiment the cell is a human cell. In one
embodiment the cell is ex vivo, and in one embodiment the cell is in vivo.
The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing whether a
subject has asthma. In one embodiment the method includes obtaining a
biological
sample from the subject, wherein the biological sample includes an airway
smooth
muscle cell, measuring the expression of a sema3E polypeptide by the airway
smooth muscle cell, and comparing the expression of a sema3E polypeptide by
the
airway smooth muscle cell with a control cell, wherein the presence of an
airway
smooth muscle cell that has reduced expression of a sema3E polypeptide
compared
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to a control cell indicates the subject has asthma. The biological sample may
include bronchial tissue, tracheal tissue, broncholaveolar lavage, sputum
and/or
serum. The method may further include administering to the subject a sema3E
polypeptide or a fragment thereof In one embodiment the subject is a human.
The present invention also provides a method for evaluating treatment
options for a subject having asthma. In one embodiment the method includes
obtaining a biological sample from the subject, wherein the biological sample
includes an airway smooth muscle cell, measuring the expression of a sema3E
polypeptide by the airway smooth muscle cell, and comparing the expression of
a
sema3E polypeptide by the airway smooth muscle cell with a control cell,
wherein
the presence of an airway smooth muscle cell that has reduced expression of a
sema3E polypeptide compared to a control cell indicates the subject may be
treated
with a sema3E polypeptide. The biological sample may include bronchial tissue,
tracheal tissue, broncholaveolar lavage, sputum and/or serum. The method may
further include administering to the subject a sema3E polypeptide or a
fragment
thereof In one embodiment the subject is a human.
The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing whether a
subject has asthma. In one embodiment the method includes obtaining a
biological
sample from the subject, measuring the level of sema3E polypeptide in the
biological sample, and comparing the level of sema3E polypeptide in the
biological
sample with the level of sema3E polypeptide in a control biological sample
obtained from a healthy subject, wherein the presence of a decreased level of
sema3E polypeptide compared to the control biological sample indicates the
subject
has asthma. The biological sample may include bronchial tissue, tracheal
tissue,
broncholaveolar lavage, sputum and/or serum. The method may further include
administering to the subject a sema3E polypeptide or a fragment thereof In one
embodiment the subject is a human.
The present invention also provides a method for evaluating treatment
options for a subject having asthma. In one embodiment the method includes
obtaining a biological sample from the subject, measuring the level of sema3E
polypeptide in the biological sample, and comparing the level of sema3E
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polypeptide in the biological sample with the level of sema3E polypeptide in a
control biological sample obtained from a healthy subject, wherein the
presence of a
decreased level of sema3E polypeptide compared to the control biological
sample
indicates the subject may be treated with a sema3E polypeptide. The biological
sample may include bronchial tissue, tracheal tissue, broncholaveolar lavage,
sputum and/or serum. The method may further include administering to the
subject
a sema3E polypeptide or a fragment thereof. In one embodiment the subject is a
human.
Also provided herein is a method for identifying an agent that increases
sema3E polypeptide expression in a cell. The method includes contacting an
airway
smooth muscle cell with an agent, and measuring the expression of semaphorin
3E
by the airway smooth muscle cell, wherein an increase in expression of
semaphorin
3E in an airway smooth muscle cell compared to a control cell that was not
contacted with the agent indicates the agent increases semaphorin 3E
expression in
a cell.
The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination
of any two or more of the listed elements.
The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the
invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.
However,
other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other
circumstances.
Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not
imply
that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other
embodiments from the scope of the invention.
The terms "comprises" and variations thereof do not have a limiting
meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims.
Unless otherwise specified, "a," "an," "the," and "at least one" are used
interchangeably and mean one or more than one.
Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all
numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3,
3.80, 4,
5, etc.).
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For any method disclosed herein that includes discrete steps, the steps may
be conducted in any feasible order. And, as appropriate, any combination of
two or
more steps may be conducted simultaneously.
The above description of the present invention is not intended to describe
each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention.
The
description that follows more particularly exemplifies illustrative
embodiments. In
several places throughout the application, guidance is provided through lists
of
examples, which examples can be used in various combinations. In each
instance,
the recited list serves only as a representative group and should not be
interpreted as
an exclusive list.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1: mRNA expression of Sema3E and its receptors in ASMCs.
SEMA3E, PLXND1, NRP1 and VEGFR2 expression in four HASM cells was
examined by RT-PCR analysis. cDNA was synthesized from total RNA, and
amplified with specific primers. The RT-PCR products were separated on 2%
agarose gels and stained with ethidium bromide.
Figure 2: Protein expression of Sema3E and its receptors in ASMCs.
Immunocytochemistry of Sema3E, PlexinD1, Nrpl and VEGFR2 in HASM cells
stained with relevant antibodies. Isotype control: cells stained without
primary
antibodies and with secondary antibodies.
Figure 3: Immunoblot analysis of Sema3E expression in whole HASM cell
lysate (L) and conditioned medium (CM). Medium was harvested and concentrated
50-fold using ultracentrifuge and also cells were lysed. CM and L were
analyzed
using gradient SDS-PAGE gels and human monoclonal anti-Sema3E antibody.
Figure 4: Comparative immunohistochemistry for HASM cells derived from
bronchial biopsies. Tissue sections were immuno-stained with anti-Sema3E
polyclonal antibody, followed by secondary biotin conjugated antibody,
counterstained with modified hematoxylin, and revealed by the AxioVision
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software using fast red as chromogen. Specimens A-D represent normal subjects,
mild, moderate
and severe asthmatics respectively, and E is isotype control.
Figure 5: Effect of Sema3E on HASM cell migration. Migration of HASM cells
following platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation was decreased when
treated with
Sema3E in a dose dependent manner. HASM cell migration in response to Sema3E
was
examined using a Boyden chamber. The values represent the average number of
migrated
eells+SEM. The graph is based on three independent migration experiments.
Figure 6: HASM cell proliferation in response to Sema3E+PDGF. Proliferation of
HASM
cells was decreased when treated with Sema3E in a dose dependent manner. Four
days after
treatment, cells were collected and manually counted. The values represent the
average number of
counted cells+SEM. The graph is based on three independent proliferation
experiments.
Figure 7A: HASM cell proliferation in response to Sema3E PDGF. Human ASMCs
were treated with different concentrations of Sema3E (1-1000 ng/mL) with or
without PDGF and
then specific proliferation was measured by EdU incorporation assay using
flowcytometry (All
data not shown).
Figure 7B shows the normalized ratio of EdU and ASMCs for Sema3E
concentrations of
0, 100 and 1000 ng/mL.
Figure 8: Actin reorganization after Sema3E stimulation in HASM cells.
Phalloidin
staining was performed to detect F-actin content of HASM cells following
Sema3E treatment and
results were quantified using flowcytometry as MFI.
Figure 9: Schematic of schedule for inhalation of HDM for induction of asthma.
Figure 10: Intranasal treatment with recombinant mouse Sema3E hampered HDM-
induced AHR in a magnitude comparable to naïve mice in the acute model of
asthma. Airway
resistance (A-B), tissue resistance (C-D) and tissue elastance (E-F) were
measured in response to
inhaled methacholine and compared between two mouse strains with different
backgrounds (A, C
and E: Balb/c) (B, D and F: C57). Each graph, X- axis is methacholine dose
(mg/ml), and Y- axis
is cmH20/ml.
Figures 11A to 11H: Flow cytometric characteristics and cellular composition
of BAL
cells in 11DM-challenged mice compared with naïve mice in both Balb/c and C57
strains. A and
B (left columns): Distinction of Granulocytes (G), lymphocytes (L) and
macrophages (M) based
on the morphological flow cytometric parameters FSC and SSC. A-B (right
columns): Ungated
CA 02831938 2014-01-28
BAL cells in a CD3 vs. FSC plot. In Naïve (control) mice, mainly
autofluorescent macrophages
were recovered from the bronchoalveolar compartment. But, in asthmatic mice,
granulocytes and
lymphocytes were attracted and became the dominant populations in both Balb/c
and C57 strains.
Identification of BAL inflammatory cell populations using flow cytometry. To
determine the
major BAL cell types, surface marker staining was performed with fluorescently
labeled
antibodies regarding the following phenotypic patterns. CD3-: granulocytes,
CD3: lymphocytes
or mononuclear cells (high-autofluorescent macrophages and non-autofluorescent
DCs.
Eosinophils: CD3- CCR3', Neutrophils: CD3- CCR3', B cells: CD3-MHCIF, T cells:
CD3+MHCIF, DCs: MHCII1u/CD1Ichl, Macrophages: MHCII"/1"/CD1 let. C-D: Dominant
macrophage population in naïve Balb/c mice with few granulocytes (C). This
pattern is
completely reversed in asthmatic Balb/c mice (D). E: Sema3E decreased
granulocytes which
were elevated in response to HDM (D) and also restored macrophages but not as
high as control
group (C). F-H: The same experiments and results from C57 model. SSC-A, side
scatter; FSC-A,
forward side scatter; Comp, compensation; APC-Cy7-A, APC-Cy7 is a tandem
conjugate system
that combines APC and a cyanine dye (Cy7); APC-Cy7-A::CD3, CD3 antibody
conjugated with
APC-Cy7; FITC-A, Fluorescein isothiocyanate; FITC-A::CD1 lc, CD1 lc antibody
conjugated
with FITC; PE-A::CCR3 antibody conjugated with phycoerythirn (PE); DCs,
dendritic cells; Eos,
eosinophil, and Neut, neutrophil.
Figure 12: Panels A to D show a comparison of flow cytometry and cytochemistry
results. The percentage of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and
macrophages in the BAL of
mice were determined by counting 200 cells on Giemsa stained cytospins using
morphological
criteria and compared with FACS data for all groups (Balb/c vs. C57 or naïve,
asthmatic and
Sema3E treated). Eos, eosinophil, Neut, neutrophil; Mono, monocyte; and Lymph,
lymphocyte.
Figures 13A and 13B: Figure 13A shows amino acid sequences of Semaphorin 3E
from
Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, and Rattus norvegicus. Figure 13B shows a multiple
sequence
alignment of SEQ ID
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NO:1, 3, and 5. "*" refers to identical amino acids in the consensus sequence;
":"
refers to conserved amino acids in the consensus sequence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUS _________ IRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
The present invention includes isolated polypeptides having semaphorin 3E
activity. As used herein, the term "polypeptide" refers broadly to a polymer
of two
or more amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. The term "polypeptide"
also
includes molecules which contain more than one polypeptide joined by a
disulfide
bond, or complexes of polypeptides that are joined together, covalently or
noncovalently, as multimers (e.g., dimers, tetramers). Thus, the terms
peptide,
oligopeptide, enzyme, and protein are all included within the definition of
polypeptide and these terms are used interchangeably. It should be understood
that
these terms do not connote a specific length of a polymer of amino acids, nor
are
they intended to imply or distinguish whether the polypeptide is produced
using
recombinant techniques, chemical or enzymatic synthesis, or is naturally
occurring.
An "isolated" polypeptide is one that has been removed from a cell. For
instance,
an isolated polypeptide is a polypeptide that has been removed from the
cytoplasm
of a cell, and many of the polypeptides, nucleic acids, and other cellular
material of
its natural environment are no longer present. Polypeptides that are produced
by
recombinant, enzymatic, or chemical techniques are considered to be isolated
and
purified by defmition, since they were never present in a cell. A "purified"
polypeptide is one that is at least 60% free, preferably at least 75% free,
and most
preferably at least 90% free from other components of a cell.
Whether a polypeptide has semaphorin 3E activity may be determined by in
vitro or in vivo assays. In one embodiment, semaphorin 3E activity refers to
the
ability of a polypeptide to bind Plexin D1 with an apparent KID of <2 nM in a
functional ELISA. For instance, when recombinant human Plexin D1 (such as
catalog number 4160-PD, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) is coated at 5 g/mL, a
polypeptide having semaphorin 3E activity will bind with an apparent KD of <2
nM.
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In one embodiment, semaphorin 3E activity refers to the ability of a
polypeptide to inhibit basal and/or growth factor-induced airway smooth muscle
cell migration and/or proliferation in a dose dependent manner. Methods for
assaying the effect of a polypeptide on airway smooth muscle cell migration
and/or
proliferation is described in Example 1. A polypeptide is considered to have
semaphorin 3E activity if there is a statistically significant decrease in
basal and/or
growth factor-induced airway smooth muscle cell migration and/or proliferation
compared to control airway smooth muscle cells not exposed to the polypeptide.
In one embodiment, semaphorin 3E activity refers to the ability of a
polypeptide to influence the development of airway hyper-reactivity during
allergen
challenge. Methods for evaluating the ability of a polypeptide to influence
the
development of airway hyper-reactivity during allergen challenge are described
in
Example 2. Examples of airway hyperreactivity include airway resistance,
tissue
resistance, and/or lung elastance. A polypeptide is considered to have
semaphorin
3E activity if there is a statistically significant decrease in the
development of
airway hyper-reactivity as during allergen challenge in an animal, such as a
mouse,
compared to a control animal not exposed to the polypeptide.
A polypeptide having semaphorin 3E activity is referred to herein as a
sema3E polypeptide. An example of a sema3E polypeptide is depicted at SEQ ID
NO:2, which is amino acids 25-766 of SEQ ID NO:1 (SEQ ID NO:1 is available
through the Genbank database at accession number AM44339.1). Another example
of a sema3E polypeptide is depicted at SEQ ID NO:4, which is amino acids 26-
766
of SEQ ID NO:3 (SEQ ID NO:3 is available through the Genbank database at
accession number NP 035478.2). Another example of a sema3E polypeptide is
depicted at SEQ ID NO:6, which is amino acids 26-766 of SEQ ID NO:5 (SEQ ID
NO:5 is available through the Genbank database at accession number
NP 001100049.1). Other examples of sema3E polypeptides include amino acids
25-775 of SEQ ID NO:1, amino acids 26-775 of SEQ NO:3, or amino acids 26-
775 of SEQ ID NO:5.
In one embodiment a sema3E polypeptide appears as an 87 IcDa polypeptide
on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. In one embodiment a sema3E
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polypeptide has an apparent molecular weight of 61 kDa or 25 kDa polypeptide
on
SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. In one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide
migrates under non-reducing conditions as an oligomer with two 61 kDa
polypeptides. In one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide migrates under non-
reducing conditions as an oligomer with one 61 kDa polypeptide and one 25 kDa
polypeptide.
Other examples of sema3E polypeptides of the present invention include
those that are structurally similar to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2,
4, or
6. Structural similarity of two polypeptides can be determined by aligning the
residues of the two polypeptides (for example, a candidate polypeptide and a
reference polypeptide described herein) to optimize the number of identical
amino
acids along the lengths of their sequences; gaps in either or both sequences
are
permitted in making the alignment in order to optimize the number of identical
amino acids, although the amino acids in each sequence must nonetheless remain
in
their proper order. A reference polypeptide may be a polypeptide described
herein,
such as SEQ ID NO:2, 4, or 6. A candidate polypeptide is the polypeptide being
compared to the reference polypeptide. A candidate polypeptide may be
isolated,
for example, from a cell of an animal, such as a mouse, a rat, or a primate,
such as a
human, or can be produced using recombinant techniques, or chemically or
enzymatically synthesized. A candidate polypeptide may be inferred from a
nucleotide sequence present in the genome of an animal cell.
Unless modified as otherwise described herein, a pair-wise comparison
analysis of amino acid sequences can be carried out using the Blastp program
of the
blastp suite-2sequences search algorithm, as described by Tatiana et al.,
(FEMS
Microbiol Lett, 174, 247-250 (1999)), and available on the National Center for
Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. The default values for all blastp
suite-
2sequences search parameters may be used, including general parameters: expect
threshold=10, word size=3, short queries¨on; scoring parameters: matrix =
BLOSUM62, gap costs=existence:11 extension:1, compositional
adjustments=conditional compositional score matrix adjustment. Alternatively,
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polypeptides may be compared using the BESTFIT algorithm in the GCG package
(version 10.2, Madison WI).
In the comparison of two amino acid sequences, structural similarity may be
referred to by percent "identity" or may be referred to by percent
"similarity."
"Identity" refers to the presence of identical amino acids. "Similarity"
refers to the
presence of not only identical amino acids but also the presence of
conservative
substitutions. A conservative substitution for an amino acid in a polypeptide
described herein may be selected from other members of the class to which the
amino acid belongs. For example, it is known in the art of protein
biochemistry that
an amino acid belonging to a grouping of amino acids having a particular size
or
characteristic (such as charge, hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity) can be
substituted
for another amino acid without altering the activity of a protein,
particularly in
regions of the protein that are not directly associated with biological
activity. For
example, nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids include alanine, leucine,
isoleucine,
valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine. Polar neutral amino
acids
include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine and
glutamine.
The positively charged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine and
histidine.
The negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic
acid. Conservative substitutions include, for example, Lys for Arg and vice
versa to
maintain a positive charge; Glu for Asp and vice versa to maintain a negative
charge; Ser for Thr so that a free -OH is maintained; and Gln for Asn to
maintain a
free -NH2. A high degree of identity is evident throughout the amino acid
sequence
of sema3E polypeptides. SEQ ID NO:1, 3, and 5 are shown in Figure 13B in a
multiple protein alignment. Identical and conserved amino acids are marked in
the
consensus sequence with "*" and ":", respectively.
In one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide includes consensus sites
KRRXRR and RXXR, where X is any amino acid (Gherardi et al., 2004, Curr. Op.
Struct. Biol., 14:669-678). In one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide includes
two
MOM consensus sites, and in one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide includes one
RXXR consensus site, where the carboxy-terminal RXXR consensus site is not
present. In one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide includes consensus site
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KRRXRR. In one embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide includes amino acids
corresponding to a Sema domain, a cystine rich domain, an Ig domain, and a
short
basic domain (Gherardi et al., 2004, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol., 14:669-678). In
one
embodiment, a sema3E polypeptide includes amino acids corresponding to a Sema
domain, a cystine rich domain, and an immunoglobulin (Ig) domain.
Thus, as used herein, a sema3E polypeptide includes those with at least
50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at
least
80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at
least
90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at
least
96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% amino acid sequence
similarity to a
reference amino acid sequence.
Alternatively, as used herein, a sema3E polypeptide includes those with at
least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least
75%, at
least 80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least
89%, at
least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least
95%, at
least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% amino acid sequence
identity
to a reference amino acid sequence.
A sema3E polypeptide having structural similarity the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO:2, 4, or 6 has semaphorin 3E activity. In one embodiment, a
sema3E
polypeptide may be a dimer.
The present invention also includes polypeptides having a length of less than
SEQ ID NO:2, 4, or 6. For instance, a polypeptide of the present invention may
include a sequence having a deletion of 1 or more amino acids from the amino
terminal end, the carboxy terminal end, or a combination thereof, of SEQ ID
NO:2,
4, or 6, or a polypeptide having structural similarity to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or
6. In
one embodiment, a polypeptide may have a deletion of amino acids that includes
or
is greater than a number selected from at least 1, at least 5, at least 10, at
least 15, at
least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at
least 50, at least
55, at least 60, at least 65, at least 70, at least 75, at least 80, at least
85, at least 90,
at least 95, or at least 100 amino acid residues. In one embodiment, a
polypeptide
may have a deletion of amino acids that is no greater than a number selected
from at
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least 1, at least of at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at
least 25, at least
30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, at least 55, at least
60, at least 65,
at least 70, at least 75, at least 80, at least 85, at least 90, at least 95,
or at least 100
amino acid residues. In one embodiment, a polypeptide may have a deletion of
number of amino acids selected from at least 1, at least of at least 5, at
least 10, at
least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at
least 45, at least
50, at least 55, at least 60, at least 65, at least 70, at least 75, at least
80, at least 85,
at least 90, at least 95, or at least 100 amino acid residues.
A polypeptide of the present invention may be expressed as a fusion that
includes an additional amino acid sequence not normally or naturally
associated
with the polypeptide. In one embodiment, the additional amino acid sequence
may
be useful for purification of the fusion polypeptide by affinity
chromatography.
Various methods are available for the addition of such affinity purification
moieties
to proteins. Representative examples include, for instance, polyhistidine-tag
(His-
tag) and maltose-binding protein (see, for instance, Hopp et at (U.S. Pat. No.
4,703,004), Hopp et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,137), Sgarlato (U.S. Pat. No.
5,935,824), and Sharma (U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,115)). In one embodiment, the
additional amino acid sequence may be a carrier polypeptide. The carrier
polypeptide may be used to increase the immunogenicity of the fusion
polypeptide
to increase production of antibodies that specifically bind to a polypeptide
of the
invention. The invention is not limited by the types of carrier polypeptides
that may
be used to create fusion polypeptides. Examples of carrier polypeptides
include, but
are not limited to, keyhole limpet hemacyanin, bovine serum albumin,
ovalbumin,
mouse serum albumin, rabbit serum albumin, and the like. In another
embodiment,
the additional amino acid sequence may be a fluorescent polypeptide (e.g.,
green,
yellow, blue, or red fluorescent proteins) or other amino acid sequences that
can be
detected in a cell, for instance, a cultured cell, or a tissue sample that has
been
removed from an animal. If a polypeptide of the present invention includes an
additional amino acid sequence not normally or naturally associated with the
polypeptide, the additional amino acids are not considered when percent
structural
similarity to a reference amino acid sequence is determined.
17
CA 02831938 2014-01-28
Polypeptides of the present invention can be produced using recombinant
DNA techniques, such as an expression vector present in a cell. Such methods
are
routine and known in the art. The polypeptides may also be synthesized in
vitro,
e.g., by solid phase peptide synthetic methods. The solid phase peptide
synthetic
methods are routine and known in the art. A polypeptide produced using
recombinant techniques or by solid phase peptide synthetic methods can be
further
purified by routine methods, such as fractionation on immunoaffinity or ion-
exchange columns, ethanol precipitation, reverse phase HPLC, chromatography on
silica or on an anion-exchange resin such as DEAE, chromatofocusing, SD.S-
PAGE,
ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration using, for example, Sephadex G-
75,
or ligand affinity. Such methods may also be used to isolate a polypeptide of
the
present invention from a cell.
The present invention also includes polynucleotides. In one embodiment, a
polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide described herein. Also included are the
complements of such polynucleotide sequences. A polynucleotide encoding a
polypeptide having semaphorin 3E activity is referred to herein as a sema3E
polynucleotide.
As used herein, the term "polynucleotide" refers to a polymeric form of
nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides, deoxynucleotides, peptide
nucleic
acids, or a combination thereof, and includes both single-stranded molecules
and
double-stranded duplexes. A polynucleotide can be obtained directly from a
natural
source, or can be prepared with the aid of recombinant, enzymatic, or chemical
techniques. Preferably, a polynucleotide of the present invention is isolated.
An
"isolated" polynucleotide is one that has been removed from a cell. For
instance, an
isolated polynucleotide is a polynucleotide that has been removed from a cell
and
many of the polypeptides, nucleic acids, and other cellular material of its
natural
environment are no longer present. Polynucleotides that are produced by
recombinant, enzymatic, or chemical techniques are considered to be isolated
and
purified by definition, since they were never present in a cell.
Given the amino acid sequence of any one of the sema3E polypeptides
described herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art can determine the full
scope of
*Trade-mark
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polynucleotides that encode that amino acid sequence using conventional,
routine
methods. In one embodiment, a sema3E polynucleotide may have a nucleotide
sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown at amino
acids 25-766 of SEQ ID NO:1, amino acids 25-775 of SEQ ID NO:1, a polypeptide
having sequence similarity with 25-766 of SEQ NO:1 or amino acids 25-775 of
SEQ ID NO: 1. It should be understood that a polynucleotide encoding a sema3E
polypeptide represented by, for instance, amino acids 25-766 of SEQ ID NO:1 is
not limited to a single nucleotide sequence, but includes the class of
polynucleotides
encoding such a polypeptide as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code.
For
example, a naturally occurring nucleotide sequence encoding amino acids 25-766
of
SEQ ID NO:1 is but one member of the class of nucleotide sequences encoding
such a polypeptide. The class of nucleotide sequences encoding a selected
polypeptide sequence is large but finite, and the nucleotide sequence of each
member of the class may be readily determined by one skilled in the art by
reference to the standard genetic code, wherein different nucleotide triplets
(codons)
are known to encode the same amino acid.
As used herein, the terms "coding region" and "coding sequence" are used
interchangeably and refer to a nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide
and,
when placed under the control of appropriate regulatory sequences expresses
the
encoded polypeptide. The boundaries of a coding region are generally
determined
by a translation start codon at its 5' end and a translation stop codon at its
3' end. A
"regulatory sequence" is a nucleotide sequence that regulates expression of a
coding
sequence to which it is operably linked. Non-limiting examples of regulatory
sequences include promoters, enhancers, transcription initiation sites,
translation
start sites, translation stop sites, and transcription terminators. The term
"operably
linked" refers to a juxtaposition of components such that they are in a
relationship
permitting them to function in their intended manner. A regulatory sequence is
"operably linked" to a coding region when it is joined in such a way that
expression
of the coding region is achieved under conditions compatible with the
regulatory
sequence.
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A sema3E polynucleotide of the present invention may include heterologous
nucleotides flanking the open reading frame encoding the semaphorin 3E
polynucleotide. As used herein, "heterologous nucleotides" refers to a
nucleotide
sequence that is not normally or naturally found flanking a semaphorin 3E open
reading frame in a cell. Typically, heterologous nucleotides may be at the 5'
end of
the coding region, at the 3' end of the coding region, or the combination
thereof.
Examples of heterologous nucleotides include, but are not limited to, a
regulatory
sequence. The number of heterologous nucleotides may be, for instance, at
least 10,
at least 100, or at least 1000.
A polynucleotide of the present invention can be present in a vector. A
vector is a replicating polynucleotide, such as a plasmid, phage, or cosmid,
to which
another polynucleotide may be attached so as to bring about the replication of
the
attached polynucleotide. Construction of vectors containing a polynucleotide
of the
invention employs standard ligation techniques known in the art. See, e.g.,
Sambrook et al, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual., Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory Press (1989). A vector can provide for further cloning
(amplification of
the polynucleotide), i.e., a cloning vector, or for expression of the
polynucleotide,
i.e., an expression vector. The term vector includes, but is not limited to,
plasmid
vectors, viral vectors, cosmid vectors, transposon vectors, and artificial
chromosome vectors. Examples of viral vectors include, for instance,
adenoviral
vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, lentiv-iral vectors, retroviral
vectors, and
herpes virus vectors. A vector may be replication-proficient or replication-
deficient.
A vector may result in integration into a cell's genomic DNA. Typically, a
vector is
capable of replication in a host cell, for instance a mammalian and/or a
bacterial
cell, such as E. coli.
Selection of a vector depends upon a variety of desired characteristics in the
resulting construct, such as a selection marker, vector replication rate, use
in gene
transfer into cells of the respiratory tract, and the like. Suitable host
cells for cloning
or expressing the vectors herein are prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Suitable
eukaryotic cells include mammalian cells, such as murine cells and human
cells.
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Suitable prokaryotic cells include eubacteria, such as gram-negative
organisms, for
example, E. coll.
An expression vector optionally includes regulatory sequences operably
linked to the polynucleotide of the present invention. An example of ,a
regulatory
sequence is a promoter. A promoter may be functional in a host cell used, for
instance, in the construction and/or characterization of a Sema3E
polynucleotide,
and/or may be functional in the ultimate recipient of the vector. A promoter
may be
inducible, repressible, or constitutive, and examples of each type are known
in the
art. A polynucleotide of the present invention may also include a
transcription
terminator. Suitable transcription terminators are known in the art.
Polynucleotides of the present invention can be produced in vitro or in vivo.
For instance, methods for in vitro synthesis include, but are not limited to,
chemical
synthesis with a conventional DNA/RNA synthesizer. Commercial suppliers of
synthetic polynucleotides and reagents for in vitro synthesis are well known.
Methods for in vitro synthesis also include, for instance, in vitro
transcription using
a circular or linear expression vector in a cell free system. Expression
vectors can
also be used to produce a polynucleotide of the present invention in a cell,
and the
polynucleotide may then be isolated from the cell.
The present invention is also directed to compositions including one or more
polypeptides or polynucleotides described herein. Such compositions typically
include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein
"pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier" includes, but is not limited to, saline, solvents,
dispersion media,
coatings, antibacterial and antifimgal agents, isotonic and absorption
delaying
agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration.
Additional
active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions.
A composition may be prepared by methods well known in the art of
pharmacy. In general, a composition can be formulated to be compatible with
its
intended route of administration. A formulation may be solid or liquid.
Administration may be systemic or local. In some aspects local administration
may
have advantages for site-specific, targeted disease management. Local
therapies
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may provide high, clinically effective concentrations directly to the
treatment site,
with less likelihood of causing systemic side effects.
Examples of routes of administration include parenteral (e.g., intravenous,
intradermal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular), enteral (e.g.,
oral), and
topical (e.g., epicutaneous, inhalational, transmucosal) administration.
Appropriate
dosage forms for enteral administration of the compound of the present
invention
may include tablets, capsules or liquids. Appropriate dosage forms for
parenteral
administration may include intravenous administration. Appropriate dosage
forms
for topical administration may include nasal sprays, metered dose inhalers,
dry-
powder inhalers or by nebulization.
Solutions or suspensions can include the following components: a sterile
diluent such as water for administration, saline solution, fixed oils,
polyethylene
glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents;
antibacterial agents
such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid
or
sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid;
buffers
such as acetates, citrates or phosphates; electrolytes, such as sodium ion,
chloride
ion, potassium ion, calcium ion, and magnesium ion, and agents for the
adjustment
of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids
or
bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. A composition can be
enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass
or
plastic.
Compositions can include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile
powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile solutions or
dispersions. For
intravenous administration, suitable carriers include physiological saline,
bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL Tm (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or phosphate
buffered saline. A composition is typically sterile and, when suitable for
injectable
use, should be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. It should
be stable
under the conditions of manufacture and storage and preserved against the
contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The carrier
can
be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol,
polyol
(for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyetheylene glycol, and
the
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like), and suitable mixtures thereof. Prevention of the action of
microorganisms can
be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example,
parabens,
chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases,
it will
be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols
such as
mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption
of the
injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition
an
agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
Sterile solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound
(e.g., a polypeptide or polynucleotide described herein) in the required
amount in an
appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients such as those
enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally,
dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile
vehicle, which contains a dispersion medium and other ingredients such as from
those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of
sterile
injectable solutions, methods of preparation that may be used include vacuum
drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the active ingredient plus
any
additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution
thereof.
Oral compositions may include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. For the
purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be
incorporated
with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Oral
compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier. Pharmaceutically
compatible binding agents can be included as part of the composition. The
tablets,
pills, capsules, troches and the like may contain any of the following
ingredients, or
compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose,
gum
tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a
disintegrating agent
such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium
stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a
sweetening agent
such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl
salicylate, or orange flavoring.
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For administration by inhalation, the active compounds may be delivered in
the form of an aerosol spray, a nebulizer, or an inhaler, such as a nasal
spray,
metered dose inhaler, or dry-powder inhaler.
Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
For transmucosal or transdermal administration, penetrants appropriate to the
bather to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are
generally
known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration,
detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal
administration can
be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories. For
transdermal
administration, the active compounds may be formulated into ointments, salves,
gels, or creams as generally known in the art. An example of transdermal
administration includes iontophoretic delivery to the dermis or to other
relevant
tissues.
The active compounds may be prepared with carriers that will protect the
compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release
formulation, including implants. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be
used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid,
collagen,
polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Such formulations can be prepared using
standard techniques. The materials can also be obtained commercially.
Liposomal
suspensions can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These
can be
prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art. Delivery
reagents
such as lipids, cationic lipids, phospholipids, liposomes, and
microencapsulation
may also be used.
In one embodiment, an active compound may be associated with a targeting
group. As used herein, a "targeting group" refers to a chemical species that
interacts, either directly or indirectly, with the surface of a cell, for
instance with a
molecule present on the surface of a cell, e.g., a receptor. The interaction
can be,
for instance, an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, a Van der Waals force, or a
combination thereof. Examples of targeting groups include, for instance,
saccharides, polypeptides (including hormones), polynucleotides, fatty acids,
and
catecholamines. Another example of a targeting group is an antibody. The
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interaction between the targeting group and a molecule present on the surface
of a
cell, e.g., a receptor, may result in the uptake of the targeting group and
associated
active compound.
When a polynucleotide is introduced into cells using a suitable technique,
the polynucleotide may be delivered into the cells by, for example,
transfection or
transduction procedures. Transfection and transduction refer to the
acquisition by a
cell of new genetic material by incorporation of added polynucleotides.
Transfection can occur by physical or chemical methods. Many transfection
techniques are known to those of ordinary skill in the art including, without
limitation, calcium phosphate DNA co-precipitation, DEAE-dextrin DNA
transfection, electroporation, naked plasmid adsorption, cationic liposome-
mediated
transfection (commonly known as lipofection), use of glycoconjugates and
polyplexes, targeting serpin-enzyme complex receptors, and polyethyleneimine.
Transduction refers to the process of transferring nucleic acid into a cell
using a
DNA or RNA virus. Introduction of a polynucleotide into a cell may further
include
the use of methods to permeabilize the glycocalyx and epithelium of the
respiratory
tract, such as temporary water-induced hypoosmotic shock (Kolb et al., 2006,
Chest, 130:879-884).
Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such active compounds can be
determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or
experimental
animals, e.g., for determining the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in
50% of
the population).
The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in
formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosage of such active
compounds lies preferably within a range of concentrations that include the
ED50
with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending
upon the
dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. For an active
compound used in the methods of the invention, it may be possible to estimate
the
therapeutically effective dose initially from cell culture assays. A dose may
be
formulated in animal models to achieve a concentration range that includes the
IC50
(i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal
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inhibition of signs and/or symptoms) as determined in cell culture. Such
information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.
The compositions can be administered one or more times per day to one or
more times per week, including once every other day. The skilled artisan will
appreciate that certain factors may influence the dosage and timing required
to
effectively treat a subject, including but not limited to the severity of the
disease or
disorder, previous treatments, the general health and/or age of the subject,
and other
diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a subject with an effective amount of
a
polynucleotide or a polypeptide can include a single treatment or can include
a
series of treatments.
The present invention includes methods for using the polypeptides and
polynucleotides disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes
contacting
a cell with an effective amount of a sema3E polypeptide. In one embodiment,
the
contacting is under conditions suitable for allowing the sema3E polypeptide to
interact with the surface of the cell. In one embodiment, the contacting is
under
conditions suitable for introduction of a sema3E polypeptide into the cell. In
another embodiment, a method includes contacting a cell with an effective
amount
of a sema3E polynucleotide. In one embodiment, the contacting is under
conditions
suitable for introduction of a sema3E polynucleotide into the cell.
Conditions that are "suitable" for an event to occur, such as introduction of
a
polypeptide into a cell, or "suitable" conditions are conditions that do not
prevent
such events from occurring. Thus, these conditions permit, enhance,
facilitate,
and/or are conducive to the event. As used herein, an "effective amount"
relates to a
sufficient amount of a sema3E polypeptide or a sema3E polynucleotide to
provide
the desired effect. For instance, in one embodiment an "effective amount" is
an
amount effective to alter certain characteristics of cells. Examples of
characteristics
include, but are not limited to, proliferation and migration. The method may
result
in decreasing proliferation of the cell, decreasing migration of the cell, or
the
combination. In one embodiment, a cell is considered to have a decrease in
proliferation or migration is if there is a statistically significant decrease
in either
proliferation or migration compared to a control not contacted with the sema3E
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polypeptide or the sema3E polynucleotide. In one embodiment, a cell is
considered
to have a decrease in proliferation or migration is if there is a decrease in
proliferation or migration of at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at
least 40%,
at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% compared to a
control not
contacted with the sema3E polypeptide or the sema3E polynucleotide.
A cell that may be used in the methods described herein may be ex vivo or in
vivo. As used herein, "ex vivo" refers to a cell that has been removed from
the body
of an animal. Ex vivo cells include, for instance, primary cells (e.g., cells
that have
recently been removed from a subject and are capable of limited growth in
tissue
culture medium), and cultured cells (e.g., cells that are capable of long term
culture
in tissue culture medium). Examples of primary cells include cells normally
present
in an animal's respiratory tract, including, but not limited to, airway smooth
muscle
cells (such as tracheal smooth muscle cells and bronchial smooth muscle
cells),
cells present in bronchoalveolar lavage, epithelial cells, mast cells,
endothelial cells,
and fibroblasts. Examples of cultured cells include, but are not limited to,
epithelial
cells, mast cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Control cells may be
obtained
from the ATCC and may be cultured according to methods known in the art.
Control cells may also be obtained from tissue samples through, for example,
biopsy. As used herein, "in vivo" refers to a cell that is present within an
animal. A
cell that may be used in the methods described herein may be a mammalian cell,
such as, for instance, mouse, rat, primate (e.g., monkey, human), or horse.
The present invention also includes methods for treating certain diseases. In
one embodiment, a method includes treating a disease in a subject, where a
subject
in need thereof is administered an effective amount of a composition that
includes a
sema3E polypeptide or a sema3E polynucleotide. The subject may be a mammal,
such as a member of the family Muridae (a murine animal such as rat or mouse),
a
primate, (e.g., monkey, human), a dog, a sheep, a guinea pig, or a horse. As
used
herein, the term "disease" refers to any deviation from or interruption of the
normal
structure or function of a part, organ, or system, or combination thereof, of
a subject
that is manifested by a characteristic symptom or clinical sign. Diseases
include
respiratory conditions, such as inflammatory diseases of the airway. Examples
of
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inflammatory diseases of the airway include, but are not limited to, fibrosis
(including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis), asthma
(including
acute asthma and chronic asthma), chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis,
emphysema,
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inflammatory diseases of
the airway may have an environmental cause or a genetic cause, and may be
exercise induced or occupational. Diseases also include inflammatory diseases
of an
organ, such as the kidney.
As used herein, the term "symptom" refers to subjective evidence of disease
or condition experienced by the patient and caused by disease. As used herein,
the
term "clinical sign," or simply "sign," refers to objective evidence of a
disease
present in a subject. Symptoms and/or signs associated with diseases referred
to
herein and the evaluation of such signs are routine and known in the art.
Examples
of signs of disease may include, but are not limited to, wheezing, coughing,
chest
tightness, shortness of breath, reversible airflow obstruction, airway
remodeling,
bronchospasm, increased airway resistance, increased tissue resistance,
increased
lung elastance, increased inflammation of the airway, and increased airway
inflammatory responses, such as increased eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar
space. A symptom and/or sign may be localized to, for instance, a subject's
trachea,
bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, or a combination thereof. Whether a subject has
a
disease, and whether a subject is responding to treatment, may be determined
by
evaluation of signs associated with the disease.
In one embodiment, a disease treated using a method of the present
invention is acute asthma. Signs of acute asthma may include, but are not
limited to,
increased airway resistance, increased tissue resistance, increased lung
elastance,
and increased eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar space. In one embodiment, a
disease treated using a method of the present invention is chronic asthma.
Signs of
chronic asthma that may be treated include, but are not limited to,
hyperreactivity,
bronchoconstriction, shortness of breath, and mucus secretion..
Treatment of a disease can be prophylactic or, alternatively, can be initiated
after the development of a disease. Treatment that is prophylactic, for
instance,
initiated before a subject manifests signs of a disease, is referred to herein
as
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treatment of a subject that is "at risk" of developing a disease. An example
of a
subject that is at risk of developing a disease is a person having a risk
factor.
Examples of risk factors include a history of atopic disease, a family history
of
asthma, airway hyperreactivity, and/or exposure to environmental conditions
linked
to certain respiratory conditions. Treatment can be performed before, during,
or
after the occurrence of the diseases described herein. Treatment initiated
after the
development of a disease may result in decreasing the severity of the signs of
the
disease, or completely removing the signs. An "effective amount" may be an
amount effective to alleviate one or more symptoms and/or signs of the
disease. In
one embodiment, an effective amount is an amount that is sufficient to effect
a
reduction in a symptom and/or sign associated with a disease. A reduction in a
symptom and/or a sign is, for instance, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least
30%, at
least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, or at
least 100% in a measured sign as compared to a control, a non-treated subject,
or
the subject prior to administration of the sema3E polypeptide or semaphorin 3E
. It
will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compositions
and
formulations as disclosed herein will be decided by the attending physician
within
the scope of sound medical judgment. The exact amount required will vary
depending on factors such as the type of disease being treated.
The polypeptides and/or polynucleotides described herein may also be
administered to a subject in combination with other therapeutic compounds to
increase the overall therapeutic effect. Therapeutic compounds useful for the
treatment of the diseases described herein are known and used routinely.
Therapeutic compounds may include inhaled corticosteroids, for example
beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, or mometasone; oral corticosteroids,
for
example prednisone; bronchodilators, for example, beta-agonist bronchodilators
such as albuterol, salmeterol, formoterol metaproterenol, pirbuterol,
terbutaline,
isoetharine, levalbuterol or salmetrol; leukotriene antagonists, for example
montelukast sodium; and antihistamines, including for example, cetirizine,
fexofenadine, loratadine, desloratadine, promethazine, alimemazine,
dexchlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, buclizine, carbinoxamine and doxylamine.
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The present invention also includes methods for diagnosing whether a
subject has, or is at risk of having, asthma. The method may include measuring
the
expression of a sema3E polypeptide by an airway smooth muscle cell. A decrease
of semaphorin 3E in the cell relative to a control cell indicates the subject
has, or is
at risk of having, asthma. Optionally, the method also includes obtaining a
biological sample from the subject. Such a method may be used to evaluate
treatment options for a subject having asthma. For instance, such a method may
indicate that treatment with a sema3E polypeptide or a sema3E polynucleotide
is
appropriate.
As used herein, a "biological sample" refers to a sample of tissue or fluid
isolated from a subject, including but not limited to, for example, cells, and
tissues
such as biopsy samples, from a respiratory tract, such as tracheal, bronchial
cells
and/or tissues, or fluids such as broncholaveolar lavage, sputum, or serum.
Biological samples also include explants and primary and/or transformed cell
cultures derived from patient tissues. A biological sample can be provided by
removing a sample of cells or a fluid from a subject, but can also be
accomplished
by using previously isolated cells (e.g., isolated by another person, at
another time,
and/or for another purpose). Methods for measuring the amount of polypeptides
such as semaphorin 3E are known in the art and are routine. Such methods
include,
for instance, Western immunoblot, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, or
immunohistochemistry. Western immunoblot and immunoprecipitation are
generally used with ex vivo cells, and immunohistochemistry is generally used
with
in vivo or ex vivo cells. Antibody to semaphorin 3E is commercially available.
In one embodiment, the methods include contacting cells of a subject's
airway with an effective amount of a composition that includes a sema3E
polypeptide or a sema3E polynucleotide. The method may result in decreasing
migration of cells, such as eosinophils, into the bronchoalveolar space. The
method
may result in decreasing migration and/or maturation of cells, such as
dendritic
cells. In one embodiment, the subject may be suffering from, or at risk of
suffering
from, acute asthma.
CA 02831938 2014-01-28
The present invention also provides a method for identifying a compound
that increases the amount of a Sema3E polypeptide in a cell, or promotes the
activity of a Sema3E polypeptide (e.g., increases semaphorin 3E activity as
determined using an in vitro or in vivo assay described herein) in a cell. The
method includes contacting a cell, such as an airway smooth muscle cell, with
a
compound, incubating the cell and the compound under conditions suitable for
culturing the cell, and measuring. The measuring may include, but is not
limited to,
assessing changes in ability to bind to plexin Dl, and changes in basal and/or
growth factor-induced airway smooth muscle cell migration and/or
proliferation.
The compound may be a chemical compound, including, for instance, an organic
compound, an inorganic compound, a metal, a polypeptide, a non-ribosomal
polypeptide, a polyketide, or a peptidomimetic compound. A compound can be
obtained using any of the numerous approaches in combinatorial library methods
known in the art, including biological libraries and synthetic library
methods. The
sources for potential compounds to be screened include, for instance, chemical
compound libraries, cell extracts of plants and other vegetations.
The present invention is illustrated by the following examples. It is to be
understood that the particular examples, materials, amounts, and procedures
are to
be interpreted broadly in accordance with the invention as set forth herein.
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Example 1
Semaphorin 3E is expressed in human airway smooth muscle cells and inhibits
their
proliferation and migration
Objectives: This example investigates the expression, functional role and
signaling of Sema3E in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells.
Methods: RT-PCR, Immunocyto/histochemistry and Western blotting were
used to determine the expression of Sema3E and its receptors. Cell
proliferation
was assessed by cell count and EdU incorporation assay and cell migration was
evaluated using Boyden chamber assay.
Results: The data demonstrated expression of Sema3E and its receptors in
HASM cells. We further showed differential expression of Semap3E in normal and
asthmatic human bronchial specimens. Sema3E dramatically inhibited HASM cell
proliferation and migration along with induction of F-actin depolymerization.
Conclusions: These data reveal for the first time that semaphorins play
functional roles in HASM cells and proposes that semaphorins might contribute
to
airway remodeling in asthma.
There is no study demonstrating expression, function and signaling of
semaphorins in ASM cells and their contribution to airway remodeling
(pathogenesis of asthma). We investigated whether Sema3E and its holoreceptor
components- including PlexinD1, Neuropilin 1 (Nrpl) and Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor 2 (VEGFR2)- are expressed in HASM cells. Then, we investigated
Sema3E effects on HASM cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, we
sought
the signaling pathways leading to Sema3E effects on HASM cell function.
32
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Methods
Reagents:
Recombinant human Semaphorin 3E and PDGF-BB as well as human
Semaphorin 3E, Plexin D1, Neuropilin-1 and VEGF R2/KDR/Flk-1 antibodies were
purchased from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN). Mouse, rabbit and goat IgG1
isotype controls were from Sigma-Aldrich Canada (Oakville, Ontario, Canada).
Cell culture media including Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and F-
12, antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin were obtained from Invitrogen
Canada
(Burlington, Ontario, Canada); the FBS was obtained from HyClone Laboratories
(Logan, UT). Alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin was purchased from
Jackson Immuno-Research Laboratories (West Grove, PA). Click it EdU
Proliferation assay kits and Phalloidin Alexa-647 were obtained from
Invitrogen*
(Burlington, Ontario, Canada).
Isolation and culture of HASM cells:
Primary HASM cells used in this study were tracheal smooth muscle cells
isolated from explants and bronchial smooth muscle cells obtained from
macroscopically healthy segments of second and fourth generation lobar or main
bronchus obtained after lung resection surgery of patients with
adenocarcinoma. A
HASM cell line immortalized by the stable expression of human telomerase
reverse
transcriptase (hTERT) was also used in some experiments. Cell culture
condition
has been described in our previous studies (Rahman, M.S., et al., J Immunol,
2006.
177(6):4064-71, Saleh, A., et al., J Immunol, 2009. 182(6):3357-65, Yamasaki,
A.,
et al., PLoS One, 2010. 5(2):e9178, Zhang, K., et al., Am J Physiol Lung Cell
Mol
Physiol, 2007. 293(2):L375-82). The procedures were approved by the Ethics
Committee of the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
RNA extraction and RT-PCR:
Total RNA was isolated from HASM cells using TRIzol method
(Invitrogen, Canada) and its concentration was measured by nanodrop. Two
micrograms of total RNA was subjected to MultiScribeTm Reverse Transcriptase
to
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synthesize cDNA according to manufacturer's instructions (Applied Biosystems).
Expression of SEMA3E, PLYND1, NRP1, VEGFR2 and GAPDH (as a
housekeeping gene) at mRNA level was analyzed by RT-PCR. Human universal
RNA was used as a positive control in all experiments.
Inamunocytochemistry:
HASM cells were seeded onto sterile uncoated glass coverslips and gown
to 50-70% confluency. Cells were then fixed, permeabilized, and non-specific
antibody binding was blocked with blocking buffer containing 5% normal human
serum and 5% normal donkey serum in Tris-buffered saline (TBS) for 1 h at room
temperature. Immunolabeling was performed using anti-human Sema3E, PlexinD1,
Nrpl or VEGFR2 antibodies as well as appropriate isotype negative control IgG
at
4 C overnight. Cells were incubated with stiptavidin-alkaline phosphatase-
conjugated secondary antibodies (Jackson Iramuno Research Laboratories, West
Grove, PA) for 1 h at room temperature. Except blocking, cells were
extensively
washed using cyto-TBS (pH 7.4) after each step. The signals were detected by
addition of Fast-red (Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Loins, MO) and then cells were
counterstained with Harris modified hematoxilin (Fisher Scientific, Fair Lawn,
NJ).
Coverslips were mounted using crystal mount and visualized by AxioVision*
software (Carl Zeiss, Inc.).
Immunoblot blot analysis:
HASM cells were grown in DMEM containing 10% FBS and serum
deprived for 48 h in F12 medium containing Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium-X
(ITS)
supplement (Gibco) and sodium pyruvate. Conditioned medium was collected two
days later, filtrated, and then concentrated 50X using centrifugal filter
units
(Amicon Ultra-4, Milipore). In parallel, HASM cells grown in the same medium
were lysed using M-PER mammalian protein extraction reagent (Pierce)
containing
protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche, Germany). Total protein concentration was
measured by Lowry method prior to Western blot experiments. Immunoblot
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analysis was performed using 21.tg/mL of monoclonal anti-human Sema3E
antibody.
Immunohistochetnistry:
In vivo expression of Sema3E was evaluated by immunostaining of tissue
sections obtained from bronchial biopsies of mild, moderate and severe
allergic
asthmatic subjects and normal individuals with procedures approved by the
Human
Research Ethics Board of the Laval University (Quebec, Canada). Subjects were
of
mixed gender between 18-40 years of age. Samples were categorized based on the
following selection criteria. Normal: FEY l>100% predicted, methacholine
PC20>32 mg/mL; mild asthmatic: FEV1>80-100% predicted, methacholine
PC20<16rng/mL; moderate to severe asthmatic: FEV1<80 predicted, methacholine
PC20<2mg/mL. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections were dewaxed with
xylene and rehydrated in a gradient of 95% and 70% of ethanol to water and
then
boiled with microwave for 10 min in sodium citrate buffer (pH 6.0). After
washing
and blocking the sections, as mentioned earlier, goat anti-human Sema3E pAb or
isotype control goat.IgG1 were added and sections were incubated overnight at
4 C.
Addition of secondary antibody, development with Fast-red, counterstaining and
visualization were the same as the immunocytochemistry experiments.
Proliferation assays:
Cell Counting:
HASM cells were seeded at 5x104 cells/well in triplicates in 6-well plates
and maintained in DMEM to become 50% to 70% confluent. After serum starvation
as described above, cells were treated with Sema3E (0, 1, 10 and 100 ng/mL)
(R&
D Systems, MN) with or without PDGF (10 ng/mL). Four days later, cells were
collected and counted using a hemocytometer and cell viability was determined
by
trypan blue exclusion. Cell count experiments were performed double-blind and
twice by two independent individuals.
CA 02831938 2014-01-28
EdU cell proliferation assay:
Serum deprived HASM cells were stimulated with Sema3E (0, 1, 10, 100
and 1000 ng/rra ) with or without PDGF (10 ng/mT ). Click-am EdU flow
cytometry assay kit (Invitrogen, Eugene, OR) was used to evaluate Sema3E
effects
on HASM cell proliferation. Briefly, EdU reagent was added at a 10 tiM final
concentration 16 h after stimulation and cells were harvested 24 h later.
Cells were
collected into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 1% BSA, centrifuged
fixed and then incubated with saponin-based permeabilization buffer for 15
min.
Click-iT reaction cocktail was freshly prepared and added to the samples
according
to the manufacturer's instructions. EdU incorporation into newly synthesized
DNA
was assessed using flow cytometry (FACStar, Consort 30 System; Becton-
Dickinson, Mountain View, CA).
Cell migration assay:
Boyden chamber (Neuro Probe Inc. Gaithersburg, MD) was employed to
study HASM cell migration as described previously (Goncharova, E.A., et al.,
Nat
Protoc, 2006. 1(6):2933-9). Sema3E (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 p.g/mL) with or without
PDGF (10 ng/mT,) in F12 medium containing ITS and sodium pyruvate was added
to the wells of the bottom chamber in triplicate. Then, Collagen-coated filter
membrane was placed on the bottom chamber and serum-deprived HASM cells
(5x105 cell/mL) were added to the upper chamber wells. After 4 h of incubation
in
37 C, non-migrated cells that did not pass through the membrane pores were
wiped
out from the top side of the insert membrane and then migrated cells in each
well
were stained with Protocol Hema 3 stain (Biochemical Sciences Inc. Swedesburg,
NJ) and counted in random fields (200).
Imrnunoflourescence (Phalloidin staining):
The cells cultured on coverslips were serum-starved and treated with
Sema3E (100 ng/m1) for 30-120 min, fixed with 3.7% formaldehyde in PBS for 20
min, and permeabilized with 0.05% Triton X-100 for 10 min. Actin was
visualized
using Alexa 647 conjugated Phalloidin (Invitrogen, Canada). Samples were
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mounted in Gold Anti-fade DAPI-containing mounting medium (Invitrogen,
Canada) and visualized using an Olympus AX70 with a photometrics PXL cooled
charge coupled device camera and Image-Pro Plus Software (Carsen Group,
Ontario, Canada)
Quantification of F-actin content by flow cytometry:
HASM cells were seeded in triplicate in 12-well plates, serum starved and
stimulated with Sema3E (100 ng/ml) for 1-120 min. Cells were fixed,
permeabilized and stained with Phalloidin as described earlier. Then, cells
were
detached by scrapers and intracellular fluorescence was determined using flow
cytometry. After appropriate gating to remove cell debris from analysis,
histograms
of cell number versus log fluorescence intensity and forward angle light
scatter
were recorded for 10,000 HASM cells per sample. Fluorescence gain and
photomultiplier voltage were identical for all samples. Relative F-actin
content
following Sema3E treatment was expressed as the mean fluorescence intensity
(MFI) and was compared to that of non-stimulated HASM cells.
Assessment of GTPase activity:
For determination of membrane-anchored active vs. cytosolic inactive Rho
and Rac GTPases, serum-deprived HASM cells were stimulated with Sema3E in
the presence or absence of PDGF (10 ng/mL) for 0, 5 and 30 min. Cells were
scraped in ice cold buffer (10 mM Tris¨HC1, pH 7.5, 0.1 mM EDTA,
0.1 mM EGTA, 1 mM dithiothreitol, and protease inhibitor cocktail), sonicated
on
ice 3 times for 5 s, and then the homogenate was separated into cytoplasmic
and membrane fractions by ultra-centrifugation (100,000 g for 45 min).
The membrane fractions were solubilized in dissociation buffer (50 mM
Tris¨HC1,
pH 7.5, 0.15 M NaC1, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1% SDS, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA,
protease inhibitor cocktail), and subsequently size fractioned by 15% SDS-PAGE
for immunoblot analysis using anti-Rac1/2/3 and anti-RhoA primary antibodies
(Cell Signaling) (Ghavami, S., et al., Biochim Biophys Acta, 2010. 1803(4):452-
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67). As a membrane protein marker, Pan-cadherin abundance was used to
normalize
for loading of membrane fractions.
Statistical analysis:
Values were presented as the means SEMs of at least three independent
experiments. The statistical differences between pairs were determined by Mann-
Whitney U test. Differences were considered to be statistically significant at
P <
0.05.
Results
Sema3E and its holoreceptor components are expressed in HASM cells.
It has been previously shown that Sema3E is expressed in neuronal and
cardiovascular systems and directly binds to PlexinD1 as a receptor. However,
depending on biological circumstances, Sema3E can also be gated by Nrpl or
VEGFR2 as (co)receptors. In vitro expression of Sema3E and its potential
receptors
in HASM cells was evaluated at mRNA and protein level with RT-PCR and
im_munocytochemistry respectively. As shown in Figure 1, mRNA for SEMA3E,
PLXND1, NRP1 and VEGFR2 was expressed in four different HASM cells. In
parallel, our immunocytochemistry experiments using specific antibodies
demonstrated their basal protein expression, as well (Fig. 2). Production and
secretion of Sema3E protein was further studied by performing Western blot
analysis on both HASM cell lysate and conditioned medium and in both of them
Sema3E was detected in two isoforms: full-length p 87.5 and p25 kDa fragments
(Fig. 3). Collectively, this part of our studies revealed that Sema3E and
receptors
are stably expressed in HASM cells.
Sema3E is differentially expressed in asthmatic airways compared to non-
asthmatic
subjects.
Expression of Sema3E might be correlated with the progression of allergic
asthma. To investigate expression pattern of Sema3E in vivo, we performed
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immunohistochemical analysis using human bronchial biopsy specimens. As shown
in Figure 4A, Sema3E is highly expressed in normal HASM cells compared to
asthmatic subjects (Fig. 4B-D) where Sema3E expression is repressed in HASM
cells in parallel to disease severity. In fact, our data revealed that Sema3E
is
inversely correlated with asthma progression. Negative isotype controls using
rabbit
IgG staining showed no immunoreactivity in specimens (Fig. 4E).
Basal and growth factor-induced HASM cell migration and proliferation is
inhibited
by Sema3E in a dose dependent manner.
To evaluate HASM cell migration in response to Sema3E, a Boyden
chamber assay specifically developed to study smooth muscle cell migration was
used as described previously (Goncharova, E.A., et al., Nat Protoc, 2006.
1(6):2933-9). Cultures were treated with Serna3E PDGF and migrated cells were
counted 4 hours later. Figure 5 reveals the significant inhibitory effect of
Sema3E
on both basal and PDGF-induced HASM cell migration in a dose dependent
manner.
To study effects of Sema3E on proliferation, HASM cells stimulated with
Sema3E PDGF for four days were collected and counted with a hemocytometer.
As shown in Figure 6, basal and PDGF-induced proliferation of HASM cells was
inhibited by Sema3E dose-dependently with a significant decrease in cell
number.
In a different set of experiments, effect of Sema3E on HASM cell
proliferation was investigated by measuring incorporated EdU into newly
synthesized DNA following Sema3E PDGF treatments. Results of EdU
proliferation assay confirmed inhibitory effect of Sema3E on HASM cell
proliferation (Fig. 7).
Collectively, our data indicates Sema3E significantly affects essential
aspects of HASM cell function in terms of proliferation and migration.
Actin depolymerization is induced following Sema3E stimulation in HASM cells.
Alexa-647-conjugated Phalloidin was used to study actin alterations after
Sema3E treatment of HASM cells and results were quantified as MFI values. Our
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data shows a significant rapid decrease in F-actin content of HASM cells in
response to Sema3E (Fig. 8).
Discussion
Findings:
In this study, we have revealed for the first time that a member of
semaphorin family (Sema3E) and its receptors are expressed in HASM cells and
affect HASM cell proliferation and migration. We also showed that Sema3E
expression in human airways (ASM bundle) is decreased in accordance to asthma
progression. Moreover, we have shown that effect of Sema3E on HASM cells is
associated with actin rearrangement.
Importance of HASM cell proliferation and migration.
Several lines of evidence support that HASM cell proliferation and
migration contribute to observed smooth muscle hyperplasia in asthmatic
airways
(Johnson, P.R., et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2001. 164(3):474-7,
Gerthoffer,
Proc Am Thorac Soc, 2008. 5(1):97-105). Therefore, inhibiting HASM cell
proliferation and migration has been proposed as a rational strategy to
develop new
anti-asthmatic drugs (Bai, T.R., Curr Opin Allergy Chin Immunol, 2010.
10(1):82-6,
Damera, G., et al., Pulm Pharmacol Ther, 2009. 22(5):353-9) as the mechanism
of
action for current therapeutics might be to some extent through inhibition of
HASM
cell proliferation and migration. However, regulatory mechanisms involved in
these
complex processes have remained to be clearly defined. Deciphering endogenous
mediators triggering signaling pathways which lead to modulation of HASM cell
functions is an essential step towards understanding pathogenesis of asthma
and
development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Importance of semaphorins.
Playing multifaceted roles in various circumstances, semaphorins have been
shown to be involved in pathogenesis of several diseases from different types
of
cancer to autoirnmune and neurological disorders (Gaur, P., et al., Clin
Cancer Res,
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2009. 15(22):6763-70, Makino, N., et al., FEBS Lett, 2008. 582(28):3935-40,
Mann, F., et al., Prog Neurobiol, 2007. 82(2):57-79, Neufeld and Kessler, Nat
Rev
Cancer, 2008. 8(8):632-45, Vadasz, Z., et al., Autoimmun Rev, 2010. 9(12):825-
9).
In addition, it has been shown that Sema3A expression is decreased in atopic
dermatitis and more interestingly its alleviative efficacy has been
demonstrated in
an animal model of this allergic disease (Tominaga, et al., Br J Dermatol,
2008.
158(4):842-4, Yamaguchi, J., et al., J Invest Dermatol, 2008. 128(12):2842-9).
Sema3E expression.
Here, we have demonstrated that HASM cells express and secrete Sema3E
in two different isoforms: p25 and p87.5 kDa. It was previously shown that
enzymatic cleavage of Sema3E leads to generation of a p61 kDa fragment from
full-length p87.5 kDa which converts repelling anti-migratory effect of Sema3E
to
attracting pro-migratory one (Christensen, C., et al., Cancer Res, 2005.
65(14):6167-77). The p61 isoform is predominantly produced in metastatic
cancer
cells and is involved in tumor progression (Christensen, C., et al., Cancer
Res,
2005. 65(14):6167-77, Casa77a, A., et al., J Clin Invest, 2010. 120(8):2684-
98).
But, in our study, p61 fragment was not desirably detected in cultured HASM
cells
neither in cell lysate and conditioned medium.
Receptors.
We have also shown expression of all plausible Sema3E receptor
components including PlexinD1, Nrpl and VEGFR2. It should be noted that unlike
other class 3 semaphorins, Sema3E interacts directly with Plexin D1, but does
not
bind Nrpl in endothelial cells and exerts its repulsive roles during
vasculature
independently of Nrp 1 as a co-receptor (Gu, C., et al., Science, 2005.
307(5707):265-8). However, gating of Sema3E-PlexinD1 complex by Nrpl
switches repulsive signals to attractive ones (Chauvet, S., et al., Neuron,
2007.
56(5):807-22). More recently, VEGFR2 has been identified as an additional
obligatory component to induce Sema3E attractive signals (Bellon, A., et al.,
Neuron, 2010. 66(2):205-19). Nrpl and VEGFR2 both function as Sema3E co-
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receptors during brain development and despite their expression in normal HASM
cells; it seems that Sema3E signaling in these cells leading to anti-
proliferative and
anti-migratory responses is exclusively mediated by PlexinD1 and is
independent of
co-receptors. On the other hand, it has been shown that VEGFR2 mRNA expression
is significantly increased in asthmatic tracheal tissues compare to normal
subjects
(Su, X., et al., Pathobiology, 2008. 75(1):42-56).
Expression of both ligand and receptor on HASM cells indicates probable
autocrine manner of Sem3E-PlexinD1 signaling in these cells. Furthermore,
PlexinD1 is expressed in endothelial cells and it also proposes a potential
paracrine
way of signaling leading to modulate angiogenesis that is augmented in
asthmatic
airways as a pathological phenomenon. Angiogenesis may result from endothelial
cell proliferation and migration, recruitment of perivascular supporting
cells, and a
maturation process (Bischof, R.J., et al., Proc Am Thorac Soc, 2009. 6(8):673-
7). It
has been demonstrated that VEGF as the master mediator of angiogenesis
enhances
the T helper 2 (Th2) response as well as ASM hyperplasia (Wilson, et al., Curr
Opin Allergy Chin Immunol, 2006. 6(1):51-5). Th2 cytokines induce structural
cells
such as ASM cell to produce VEGF, which in turn, increase allergen-
induced inflammation and consequent remodeling (Puxeddu, et al., J Allergy
Chin
Immunol, 2005. 116(3):531-6). Emerging studies have revealed anti-angiogenic
effect of Sema3E on VEGF-treated endothelial cells (Choi, Y.I., et al.,
Immunity,
2008. 29(6):888-98, Moriya, J., et al., Circ Res, 2010. 106(2):391-8) through
rapid
disassembly of integrin-mediated adhesive structures leading to inhibition of
endothelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix.
Function (proliferation migration).
Using different functional approaches, our data indicates that Sema3E
inhibits essential aspects of HASM cell function including proliferation and
migration. From a functional point of view, semaphorins are more likely to
provoke
repulsion of target cells than attraction. For instance, Sema3A and Sema4D
induce
axonal collapse in growth cone region of neuronal cells (Fuchikawa, et al.,
Biochem
Biophys Res Commun, 2009. 385(1):6-10, Mikule, et al., J Neurosci, 2002.
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22(12):4932-41). Sema3F also inhibits endothelial and tumor cell migration and
adhesion (Bielenberg, et al., Methods Enzymol, 2008. 443:299-314). Conversely,
Sema5A is able to promote angiogenesis by increasing endothelial cell
proliferation, migration, and decreasing apoptosis (Sadanandam, et al.,
Microvasc
Res, 2010. 79(1):1-9). Even an individual semaphorin can induce either
repulsive or
attractive responses and the functional outcome (repulsion vs. attraction)
depends
on encountered biological milieu in a cell-type-dependent manner (Zhou, et
al.,
Trends Biochem Sci, 2008. 33(4):161-70). As a bifunctional protein, Sema3E
effect
on target cells is determined by proteolytic processing and interaction with
co-
receptors. Regarding importance of HASM cell proliferation and migration in
airway remodeling, the observed inhibitory effect of Sema3E on these processes
suggests us to assess Sema3E functions in animal model of asthma. Besides
Sema3E probable roles in structural changes namely airway remodeling, it might
also reduce airway inflammatory responses; as it has been reported that Sema3A
can block IL-23 production and IL-6 and TNF-a secretion in peripheral blood
mononuclear cells derived from individuals with active rheumatoid arthritis
that
eventually leads to reduce progression of the disease in an experimental model
(Catalano, J Imrnunol, 2010. 185(10):6373-83).
Signaling.
In an effort to understand the mechanism of Sema3E action on HASM cell
proliferation and migration, a dramatic decrease in polymerized form of actin
(F-
actin) rapidly following Sema3E stimulation was observed. Semaphorin signaling
through receptors is mainly converged to cytoskeleton through regulation of
actin
rearrangement or modulation of integrin-mediated cell adhesion (Capparuccia
and
Tamagnone, J Cell Sci, 2009. 122(Pt 11):1723-36). Recent findings have
revealed
that a family of flavoprotein monooxygenases called "molecule interacting with
Cas
ligand" (MICAL) is both necessary and sufficient for Semaphorin-Plexin
mediated
F-actin reorganization in neurons (Hung, R.J., et al., Nature, 2010. 463:823-
7), but
it has not yet been studied in the other cells. If Semaphorin-Plexin-MICAL
axis
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proves to be important in contexts outside the nervous system such as airways,
it
could become a relevant target for innovative anti-asthmatic drugs.
Two overall mechanisms of Semaphorin-Plexin signaling include regulation
of actin by as homology (Rho) proteins (e.g. Ras-related C3 botulimun toxin
substrate 1 or Rac-1) or modulation of integrin-mediated cell adhesion via
"Rat
Sarcoma" (Ras) molecules (e.g. R-Ras). These monomeric p21 GTP-binding
proteins (small GTPases) are early signaling components that regulate cellular
functions through hydrolysis of GTP and cycling from the GDP to the GTP-bound
state. When bound to GTP, small GTPases are activated and attach to effector
proteins to carry out a cascade of events including cell migration,
proliferation, and
angiogenesis (Thou, et al., Trends Biochem Sci, 2008. 33(4):161-70),
(Capparuccia
and Tamagnone, J Cell Sci, 2009. 122(Pt 11):1723-36), and (Puschel, Adv Exp
Med
Biol, 2007. 600:12-23). On the other hand, it has been shown that smooth
muscle
cell proliferation and migration (as well as angiogenesis) are also mediated
by small
GTPases (Simeone-Penney, M.C., et al., Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol,
2008. 294(4)1698-704, Page, K., et al., J Biol Chem, 1999. 274(31):22065-71,
-
Spindler, et al., Cardiovasc Res, 2010. 87(2):243-53, Sakata, et al.,
Arterioscler
Thromb Vasc Biol, 2004. 24(11):2069-74).
ASM cells are dynamically involved in several aspects of airway biology
(pathology) because of their responsiveness to various stimulations in terms
of
proliferation, migration, contraction, cytokine production and synthesis of
extracellular matrix components (Halayko, et al., Curr Drug Targets, 2006.
7(5):525-40, Hirst, Respir Physiol Neurobiol, 2003. 137(2-3):309-26).
Therefore,
modulation of ASM cell function has emerged as a potential therapeutic
strategy to
treat asthma. Even 132-adrenergic receptor agonists and glucocorticoids as
current
asthma drugs regulate ASM cell proliferation and migration negatively
Goncharova, E.A., et al., Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 2003. 29(1):19-27,
Kassel,
K.M., etal., Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, 2008. 294(1):L131-8, Stewart,
A.G., et al., Mol Pharmacol, 1999. 56(5):1079-86, Stewart, A.G., et al., Br J
Pharmacol, 1997. 121(3):361-8). Regarding efficacy and safety issues in
development of novel therapeutic strategies, deciphering endogenous mediators
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able to inhibit pathological functions of ASM cells could be an urgent
priority. As a
novel approach, our study provides the concept of semaphorin contribution in
ASM
cell function and airway remodeling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time the expression of a
semaphorin in HASM cells and its inhibitory effect on basal and growth factor-
induced HASM cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, we find in vivo
differential expression pattern of Sem3E in (smooth muscle bundles of)
asthmatic
vs. healthy airways. We also show induction of actin reorganization (and
association of small GTPases as early signaling mediators) in response to
Sema3E.
Collectively, these results provide a new mechanism through which Sema3E
inhibits HASM cell proliferation and migration providing a new clue to control
airway remodeling and clinical manifestations of asthma.
Example 2
Materials and methods
Mice:
Female BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice (18-20 grams, 6-week-old) were
obtained from the Central Animal Care Services, University of Manitoba, housed
in
university animal facilities and maintained according to the recommendations
of the
Canadian Council of Animal Care. All experimental protocols were approved by
the Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Manitoba.
HDM-induced acute asthma:
Lyophilized house dust mite or HDM (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
extract was purchased from Greer Laboratories, Inc. (Lenoir, NC) and
reconstituted
in sterile endotoxin-free saline as 2.5 mg/mL stock concentration before
treatment.
Working concentration (25 lig per mouse in 35 !IL of saline) was freshly
prepared
and acute asthma was induced by intranasal inhalation of HDM, for 5 days per
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week for 2 consecutive weeks (Figure 9). Recombinant mouse Sema3E-Fc
(10p,g/kg in sterile PBS) was intra-nasally administered 1 hour prior to HDM
challenge. Control group (vehicle-treated) received sterile LPS free saline at
the
same time points. All experiments were performed 48 hours after the last HDM
exposure.
Airway hyperreactivity (AHR measurement):
Following anesthesia with intra-peritoneal injection of pentobarbital (0.1 mL
per 10 grams body weight), mid-cervical tracheotomy and tracheal cannulation
was
performed using a polyethylene catheter (1.1 25 mm ). The catheter was coupled
to a FlexiVent small animal ventilator (Scireq, Montreal, Quebec) and positive
end
expiratory pressure was maintained at 3 cmH20. The ventilator delivered a
tidal
volume of 10 mL air per kg body weight at a rate of 150 breaths/min. Then,
mice
were subjected to serial aerosol metacholine (MCh) challenge (0, 3, 6, 12, 25,
and
50 mg/mL in 30 uL of saline), and baseline mechanics were determined using
saline-only challenge. Before each challenge with saline or MCh, lung loading
history was normalized by inflation to total lung capacity. Respiratory
mechanics
were assessed using a preset Flexi Vent Prime-8 low-frequency forced
oscillation
protocol to derive respiratory mechanical input impedance (Zrs). Airway
resistance
(Raw), tissue resistance (G) and lung elastance (H) were derived by fitting
Zrs to the
constant phase model.
Bronchoalveolar lavage:
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed using 2 instillations of 1 mL
sterile saline. BAL fluid was centrifuged at 1500 rpm /4 C for 10 min and
supematant was separated and stored at -80 C to measure cytokines. Pellet was
gently resuspended in lmL sterile saline and total cells were counted using a
hemocytometer.
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Cytology:
Based on total BAL cell count results, 105-1.5x105 cells were spun
(1500rpm/5min) onto the slides. Cytospins were dried overnight at room
temperature and then frozen at -20 C until staining. After staining, cells
were
characterized morphologically and 200 cells/slide were differentially counted
using
400X magnification by two individuals in a double-blind manner.
BAL Flow cytometry:
Following RBC lysis with ACK buffer and Fc blocking for 2 and 15 min
respectively, BAL cells were resuspended in 0.5 mL of complete DMEM. Cells
were washed by flow buffer and stained by appropriate fluorochrome-conjugated
antibodies to detect extracelluar surface markers as described by Rijt, et al.
(JIM,
2004, 288: 111-121). The following monoclonal Abs were added to the cells and
incubated for 30 minutes on ice away from light: MIFICH-APC, CD1I c-FITC, CD3-
Cy7 (BD Bioscences, San Diego, CA) and CCR3-PE (R&D systems Inc.,
Minneapolis, MN). Appropriate compensation control for each Ab was also
included in the experiment. After fixation using 2% paraformaldehyde (15
minutes,
on ice and away from light), samples were extensively washed by flow buffer 3
times, acquired by BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer and analyzed using FlowJo
software.
Lymphocytes had FSC1`)/SSCI scattering pattern and B cells as antigen
presenting cells were discriminated from T cells by MHCII expression in the
CD3+
gate. Granulocytes were recognized as nonautofluorescent highly granular
(SSChi)
cells including eosinophils as CCR3+ CD3hil" and MEICIP/- cells and also
neutrophils as SSChi but CCR.3- cells. Dendritic cells had CD37MHCIIhi and
CD1lchi phenotype which were differentiated from large autofluorescent
alveolar
macrophages expressing intermediate levels of MHCII and CD11c.
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Results
Sema3E inhibits HDM-induced AHR in mice:
To determine whether Sema3E treatment during allergen challenge could
influence the development of airway hyper-reactivity, Sema3E was administered
intra-nasally to the mice 1 hour before each HDM challenge. HDM-challenged
mice, as a positive control group, showed a dramatic increase AHR parameters,
including airway resistance (Raw)(Figure 10A-B), tissue resistance (G)(Figure
10C-
D) and lung elastance (H) (Figure 10E-F), in response to various doses of
aerosolized MCh. Intra-nasal application of Sema3E prior to allergen challenge
led
to significant attenuation of AHR parameters in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice
(Figure 10). Basal AHR to MCh in saline-treated (naive) mice was also studied
as a
negative control group.
Sema3E reduces HDM-induced airway inflammation in mice:
In order to further investigate the effects of Sema3E on acute airway
allergies, BALF samples were collected from the all aforementioned mice groups
that had undergone tracheotomy and MIR measurement. Total BALF cells as well
as differential inflammatory cell count was performed by routine cytological
methods and further characterized using flow cytometry. As seen in figure 11D,
BALF eosinophilia as a cardinal feature of allergic airway inflammation was
tremendous in HDM-challenged mice. Surprisingly, intra-nasal treatment of
Sema3E prior to HDM exposure resulted in significant reduced BALF eosinophilia
(Figure 11E) as well as restored mononuclear cell population almost comparable
to
naïve (saline treated) mice (Figure 11F).
These results were also observed in C57BL6 strain (Figure 3G-H) and
similar results were obtained using cytology and flow cytometry (Figure 12).
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CA 02831938 2014-01-28
The complete disclosure of all patents, patent applications, and publications,
and
electronically available material (including, for instance, nucleotide
sequence submissions in,
e.g., GenBank and KefSeq, and amino acid sequence submissions in, e.g.,
SwissProt, PIR, PRF,
PDB, and translations from annotated coding regions in GenBank and RefSeq)
cited herein are
believed to be available to the public. In the event that any inconsistency
exists between the
disclosure of the present application and the disclosure(s) of any document
referenced herein, the
disclosure of the present application shall prevail. The foregoing detailed
description and
examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary
limitations are to be
understood therefrom. The invention is not limited to the exact details shown
and described, for
variations obvious to one skilled in the art are encompassed.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components,
molecular
weights, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be
understood as being modified
in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated
to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are
approximations that may vary
depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present
invention. At the very
least, and not as an attempt to limit the doctrine of equivalents to the scope
of the claims, each
numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of
reported significant
digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the
broad scope
of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the
specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. All numerical values,
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however, inherently contain a range necessarily resulting from the standard
deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to
limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified.
